German legal expert calls for US senate probe into Menendez’s alleged anti-Azerbaijan campaign

Asaf Askar, an Azerbaijani international law expert residing in Herford, Germany, has called on the US Senate to conduct a thorough investigation into former Senator Bob Menendez’s alleged smear campaign against Azerbaijan.

In his petition, Askar emphasized that Menendez had used foreign policy, human rights, and anti-corruption issues as political tools to undermine Azerbaijan's interests, Caliber.Az reports.

Askar argued that Menendez had not only taken a biased stance towards Azerbaijan and Türkiye but also sacrificed the national interests of the United States for his personal gain.

Askar called for the formation of a special investigative commission, claiming that it would uncover more significant corruption issues tied to Menendez’s activities.

Menendez, who previously served as a member of the US House of Representatives and the Senate, also chaired the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

To recall, Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison on January 29, 2025, following his conviction on bribery, fraud, and foreign agent charges. Menendez, who served nearly two decades in the Senate, was found guilty of accepting bribes, including gold bars, cash, and a luxury car, in exchange for political favours benefiting Egypt and New Jersey businessmen. His conviction marks a historic breach of public trust, as he became the first US Senator convicted of acting as a foreign agent.

Prosecutors had pushed for a 15-year sentence, presenting evidence of Menendez’s extensive corruption, including facilitating military aid to Egypt and using his influence to assist Qatar. Despite overwhelming evidence, Menendez maintained his innocence and plans to appeal the conviction. His legal team argued for a reduced sentence, citing his age and past public service. However, US District Judge Sidney Stein ruled that the severity of his crimes warranted significant prison time.

The case also resulted in prison sentences for Menendez’s co-conspirators, New Jersey real estate developer Fred Daibes (seven years) and businessman Wael Hana (eight years). Meanwhile, Menendez’s wife, Nadine, faces corruption charges, with her trial postponed due to a breast cancer diagnosis. She is scheduled to stand trial in March.

By Aghakazim Guliyev